Keeping Ontario's Workers Healthy and Safe

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Keeping Ontario's Workers Healthy and Safe

Province Introducing New On-the-Job Training

Ontario is introducing new training to help protect workers and keep them safe on the job.

One way to complete the new health and safety awareness training will be for workers and supervisors to take part in a one-hour tutorial either individually or in groups using free, online e-learning tools or hard copy workbooks. The training is designed to help prevent workplace incidents and injuries by making workers and supervisors aware of their roles, rights and responsibilities in the workplace.

Developed in partnership with labour groups, businesses and municipalities, the training will be mandatory for all workers and supervisors in the province who are covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Mandatory basic health and safety awareness training was a key recommendation of the Expert Advisory Panel on Occupational Health and Safety, led by Tony Dean in 2010. The Ontario government committed to implement all of the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Panel.

Providing training to keep workers safe and healthy is part of the government's economic plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.

Quick Facts

Workplaces that have provided similar training to employees will not need to participate, as long as the previous training met the minimum requirements of the new regulation.

The new training requirement becomes mandatory on July 1, 2014.

Once the e-learning training module is complete, an employee will receive a certificate that is valid for the remainder of his or her career. The printed training materials are available in nine languages.

New and young workers are three times more likely to be injured in the first month of their employment than more experienced workers.

Quotes

“We’re investing in our people, our businesses, and safer workplaces because we know they are the building blocks of a strong economy, strong communities and a stronger Ontario. These free, accessible training materials are about giving our workplaces the tools and knowledge they need to make sure our workers go home safe to their families at the end of their shift.”

Yasir Naqvi

Minister of Labour

“This awareness training will lay the foundation for building a strong occupational health and safety culture in the province of Ontario.”

George Gritziotis

Chief Prevention Officer

“Staying competitive as a business means being safe. This training demonstrates achievement in training which is beneficial for employers.”